When Green High School students think of winter sports, they commonly think of basketball, swimming, and bowling; however, ice sports are often forgotten. Due to Green Local Schools’ lack of sponsorship for these activities, many students’ hard work, dedication, and accomplishments made through their sport goes unacknowledged.
The two most popular forms of ice sports are figure skating and hockey. While both take place on an ice skating rink, they are vastly different sports. Ice skating can be done as solos, duos, or synchronized teams; however, ice hockey is only done as a team. Additionally, their skates themselves are different. A hockey skate has a wider and shorter blade to maximize their speed, control, etc. and a ice skate blade has a longer and flat blade to achieve the best spins, jumps, etc. Despite their differences, both sports require skills that take years of practice and commitment to perfect.
Tyson Hunka:
GHS Sophomore, Tyson Hunka, has been playing hockey since he was three years old. He enjoys playing for the Canton Akron Jets by airport. While Hunka has been playing hockey since he could walk, he finds more excitement playing his other sports, football and lacrosse, more. Hunka plays his other sports through Green High School which allows him to be able to play with his close friends. Hockey has impacted Hunka’s life through many aspects; such as, keeping himself busy in the off-seasons and helping him grow as a person.
“I became interested in hockey when I saw my dad playing a game on the Xbox,” Tyson Hunka said.
Owen Capps:
Owen Capps, GHS Sophomore, has been ice skating for over five years. Growing up, he watched the winter Olympics with his mom and spent his time at the ice skating rink, creating an interest in the sport. He trains at Center Ice Sports Complex and is part of the Center Ice Figure Skating Club. With weekly practices and extensive competitions, figure skating can be difficult mentally and physically. However, the friends, memories and personal growth illustrated through this sport are enough to keep Capps on the ice. Through his hard work and dedication, Owen was able to qualify for the upcoming national competition.
“I’ve had many ups and downs with this sport, but it has made me the person I am today,” stated Capps. “The friends I’ve made from skating have always been there for me through hard times.
